In today’s world, the wedding website has become more important than ever. With changing COVID protocols, adjusted wedding plans, and ever-developing RSVP lists, communication with your guests is crucial to the success of your big day. So, what is absolutely necessary to include to ensure that your guests are well prepared? Read on for a list of exactly what info to provide on your wedding website to help guarantee a positive guest experience.
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Start with the basics. Don’t forget to include the basic information that you’ll also provide on your wedding invitation. Most importantly, the who, when, and where of your wedding should all be clearly covered. While many guests may lose their paper or emailed invitation, they can always search for your wedding website online for a refresher on your partner’s name, the location of the ceremony and reception – with exact address provided, and what time everything gets started.
Logistics. However, while you should start with the basics, don’t stop there. Additional logistical information is always helpful when thoughtfully provided. Think through the wedding from start to finish from the point of view of a guest who’s never visited the area. Clearly provided information on transportation (whether provided or not), parking, hotel block details, most convenient airport to fly into, inclement weather plans, and accessibility can turn a stressful experience into a fantastic weekend.
Full schedule. If you’re planning on events outside of the traditional ceremony and reception (think kickoff party, post-wedding brunch, honeymoon send-off), be sure to include all the important details – such as address, time, and transportation details – as well. However, if these events are not open to ALL guests, do not include them on your website or any other printed materials that are available to all guests.
RSVP details. While this information will also be provided on your invitation, you’ll want to put RSVP details front and center as many times as possible. Be sure to include the deadline for RSVPs and how best to RSVP – whether by mail, email, or online. The more you remind guests about this, the more likely you’ll be to receive actual responses.
COVID protocols. While you won’t see this item on wedding website checklists before 2020, it’s unfortunately of utmost importance moving forward. By making sure that guests are aware of this information ahead of the date, you’ll increase your chances of 100% compliance. Be sure to let them know the mask policy, how you plan to keep everyone safe, and what you ask of them in return in terms of social distancing, etc. There is no such thing as overcommunication when it comes to your guests’ health.
Changing plans. Today’s reality is that most weddings are being affected by COVID, and therefore, plans are changing rapidly. If you let your guests know early on that your wedding website will be the primary source for updated information, you’ll save time on future communications. Whether you’re moving to a virtual format and need to provide Zoom details or just need to update your COVID protocols, make sure that changes are very prominently displayed on the home page.
Special requests or unique details. Asking all of your guests to wear black or white to your wedding? Hosting a Halloween-themed reception and want everyone there in costume? Have a cash bar but no ATM on the premises? Having a ceremony on the beach and you’re suggesting that guests bring a pair of sandals to cross the sand? Anything that you’re requesting guests to do or anything that’s unique to your wedding that they should be aware of needs to be outlined here. This includes everything from attire details to requests for an unplugged wedding.
Registry details. The wedding website is the appropriate place to include all registry information as etiquette requires that this is not printed on the invitation. Guests know to look for your registry details on your website along with helpful links directly to the appropriate sites.
Contact information. You’ll want to include some type of contact information for guests with questions – especially in the current world of ever-evolving plans. This doesn’t have to be your personal email or phone number. You can also create a wedding email address or designate a consenting (and very kind) family member or friend to take on this duty. However, if it’s a new wedding email or another individual covering this duty, make sure that you or they are regularly checking for questions and responding in a timely manner.
Optional add-ons. Everything in addition to the above listed items is just icing on the cake. Want to include the names of your wedding party members? Have a fun story about how you and your partner met? Or maybe you’re considering listing some interesting things to do locally for those travelling from out of town? While not necessary to your guests’ experience, these are all bonus items that many people will enjoy reading and exploring ahead of time.
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Once you’ve checked off all of the items above, you’ll have a wedding website that will be an important tool for every guest. And as plans change, be sure you stay on top of website edits. By making your wedding website a user-friendly and information-rich resource, you’ll ensure that the lead up time to your wedding is less stressful for everyone involved.
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